- To cap rates at no more that the present rate of inflation.
- To help Horizons regional council engage with the people that employ them at the same level,and to encourage mutually respectful dialog
between all parties - Try to ensure that Horizons regional council consentrates on core busness only and is delivering cost effective services.
- To ensure that Horizons regional council is accountable for its services and that systems are in place.
- To make sure that texting and side shows don't accure in meetings at all.
People need to know that Horizons regional council has the courtesy to listen and engage.
No issues on file for Brian Doughty.
No issues on file for Willem (Fred) Frederikse.
No issues on file for Shirley McDouall.
No issues on file for Ross Mitchell-Anyon.
- Working with Central Government and others to get everyone in the region into well paid employment.
Our common problem is too much unemployment and too many poorly paid jobs. - Working co-operatively with all parts of the Region to get a Regional Cycleway loop, that not only gets cyclists off the road but also links with the National Cycleway to bring the tourists visiting the Northern end of our Region on a slow money spinning ride past our shops and factories.
- Developing a Region wide Agricultural and Horticultural link that means all our produce is processed into high value export products.
Work smarter not harder ! - Getting the regional transport links working to maximum advantage. Not only to ensure rapid + economic processing of produce but also to facilitate movement of goods and tourists in and out of our Region. Looking at improved rail links as well as a fast Hovercraft / Whig service to Nelson to transport high value goods + tourists.
- Getting a flood control system in Wanganui that makes sense and works with nature instead of against it. Its better to do it properly once than continually repair/alter a flawed system. The Christchurch earthquake shows we must take natural forces into account and cannot just engineer a 'ditch' that will overflow.
- One Plan. This Plan is the culmination of 6 years work by Horizons Regional Council involving in excess of 500 submissions which were considered by an independent hearing panel. Some aspects of the One Pan are controversial. I believe that Council will administer the plan in an essentially fair manner, the plan will ensure prudent cost effective management of the region's environment.
- Current/Future Structure of Regional and Territorial Authorities; (specifically within and adjoining Horizons). A 'Unitary Authority Preliminary Investigation Report' considers the establishment of Ruapehu and Wanganui districts as unitary authorities.I support adoption of Option 3 - i.e.wait for guidance from central government. What is also needed is more consultation and definitely more information for constituents to consider prior to any proposal being finalised.
- Proposed Expansion of Open Country Operation and Related Discharges to Whanganui River.
Horizons are responsible for the effective management of the region's natural environment but also list 'a growing economy' as a key goal. Any expansion may only proceed if and when a Resource Consent is issued. Appeal processes exist for those opposing the proposal. - Keeping People Safe.
This is another essential role of a regional council.The recent Christchurch earthquake is a reminder of how 'active' NZ is. Perhaps the Green Rig could include earthquakes as a key topic - maybe not strictly a 'green' topic, but the Rig certainly seems popular with both children and adults - a splendid vehicle for education. - Efficiencies.
The operation of Horizons is partially funded though rating income. I am sure Council's decision making and allied financial management ensures dollars are wisely spent. However inflation effectively erodes 'purchasing power' and identifying/reducing waste, improving systems and quality of service will assist in keeping any rate increases to a minimum.
No issues on file for Bob Walker.
